who is this guy?

who is this guy?

I'm a writer, producer and director guy who works bare within theatre to promote inclusivity within the performing arts sector. Through my work, I aim to stretch the limits of performing arts to enable the socially and politically disenfranchised to make a mark within the field and beyond. I freelance so, naturally, I complain about being broke a lot of the time.

You can find me sitting in a lot of meetings, often as the only brown person, staring blankly while pretending to take notes. Really, I'm probably jotting down ideas for a poem, play or essay about gentrification, black masculinity, being sad for no reason or my nan.

I'm a bit of a reluctant poet, yet somehow I'm (very privileged to be) an alumni of the Barbican Young Poets collective, and I've been commissioned by the likes of Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Apples & Snakes, The RSC, Nationwide and the Royal Court Theatre. I've infiltrated many ears at open mics, billed nights and festivals across the UK and internationally for the last few years, having performed across New York in 2017 and undergoing a residency at schools in Jordan and UAE in Spring 2018. I also co-ran poetry movement Veranda with former ICA Resident Poet (and general OG) Belinda Zhawi between 2016-17 before we got busy.

My pride and joy is being Artistic Director of theatre company The S+K Project. I cofounded the organisation back in September 2014 after being frustrated at the lack of representation in theatre I experienced while acting (yes – I acted, but we don't talk about this). The S+K Project is Resident Company at Bernie Grant Arts Centre and is the 2018 Talawa Associate Company as part of their SUSTAIN programme. I implement the artistic vision of the company and make sure everything is done right. I think.

I also do a bunch of freelance producing independently with specific shows / community work and with organisations including Iris Theatre, Open Air Theatre and Emergency Exit Arts.

A large part of my work has been facilitating workshops and directing theatre, mainly in inclusive, participatory settings. I've freelanced with Arts Bridge Charity, Hackney Shed, Haringey Shed, Immediate Theatre, Hackney Empire, the Royal Court Theatre and more, teaching poetry, creative writing and drama with participants from all backgrounds and abilities.

People have also trusted me to do official things like chair the LIFT Tottenham Advisory Board. From that, I also became a LIFT trustee in October 2017, and I've been a trustee of Hackney Showroom since October 2016. I currently mentor two London-based young people in my own time who have an interest in producing and offer dramaturgical support for emerging writers.

If you want to know more – or would like to see more shots like the below where I look confused – get at me: I'm @malakaisargeant on Twitter, Instagram + Medium.